WiFi is a very popular product around the world… both for users and for those who want to take advantage of the commercial potential. Below are some things to consider if you are one of those interested in the business potential of WiFi. If you have more to add… please do so.
I’ll try to keep this as simple as possible.
Here are some simple ideas that you should consider to become a WiFi hotspot.
* To turn your business into a hotspot, you really only need 2 things:
– Hotspot Kit (which must include hardware, software and remote monitoring)
– High speed internet (whatever is appropriate for your situation…DSL, T1 or DS3 connectivity)
* Before ordering your access point kit, you must first determine what type of service you will need:
– Single access point GOLD
– Multiple access points
The number of hotspots you need is determined by the amount of area you want to make available for wireless Internet access. For example…larger hotels will require one access point for every 20 rooms (on average), while a coffee shop can adequately serve its clientele with only one access point.
* The last decision you will have to make is whether or not to bill your customers for wireless Internet access. Today, more and more companies offer wireless Internet access as a value-added service in an effort to attract more visitors to their hotels/stores. In today’s competitive environment, offering free hot zones can be the determining factor when customers compare your offering to your competitors.
However, if you find that billing your clients is what you want to do, find a vendor that can help you do it. Your hotspot kit should come with software that will allow you to accept credit cards directly through your gateway (the page users ‘see’ when they try to access the web using your hotspot). You are likely to be associated with that supplier and the revenue is shared by both you and “them”. The provider you choose will ensure that the hotspot works efficiently. This allows you to focus on your core business and receive a profit sharing check each month that your customers log on to the network at your access point.
The above is a simplistic description of what you will need to think about before becoming a WiFi hotspot. Do your homework on this and you will have a decent foundation for making a good trading decision.
